Test Drive Dodge Caliber since 2006 Hatchback

All photos of Dodge Caliber since 2006

Skeptic middle caliber

What associations from Europeans and Russians causes the name Dodge? For example, in the USSR, this brand was respected six decades ago.

The chapels of the Great Patriotic apparatus were appreciated by the Army, entering the Land Lisa of the WC series (our car was more often called three-quarters for the carrying capacity of 750 kg) for strength and reliability. Since then, perhaps, only the most faithful fans of American models were seriously interested in the life of the brand. Therefore, to output today for the oversaturated European and Russian markets, a completely new car act is very brave, if not risky
Once again running the coming of the Dogs-caliber in the head in the head (time to reflections half a day in two aircraft), I looked at this event with a big skepticism. Maybe the car itself will convince?
Made in usa.
The design did not leave indifferent, it seems, no one from colleagues. True, the rescue features of the body with a pronounced muscles of the wings and the low vocabulary of the winds in some caused active rejection. Another, recognized in the caliber of the flattering similarity with Chryslers and Jeeps, liked the stylistics.
The high car is very solid (195 mm) ground clearance. In addition, in the States, the car is sold with a full drive and a 2.4-liter engine. Europeans got only the big clearance and design in the style of the crossover, thanks to which the caliber seems more fellow in the European Class, to which it actually belongs. Motors for Europe weaker than the American, and the front drive.
The compromises of the gift do not pass: making the car high, designers wanted it to not look very cumbersome. That is why powerful front racks are strongly inclined. At the intersections behind them it is easily hiding a small car. Making sure in practice, and at the same time taking the engine in an intense acceleration, running away from the initial Fiat, I became much more careful at the intersections.

Strongly oblique rear rack reduced the ceiling level. High passenger on the back sofa it will be annoyed. In the width of two at the back of the Volgovo. And the driver is height under 180 cm, moving the chair to the end, barely reaches the shoes to the pedals.
Fancy light instrument cluster, rich shiny knob of the gear lever, air-conditioning equipment in the base for Russia and very much a hard, uncomfortable plastic dashboard. He particularly dissonant with The optional leather steering wheel. Incidentally, the radio control button on the back of the original decision of the spokes, but controversial. They are not to interfere, but fall under the arm are not always on time. Perhaps the habit?
Like, eclectic in terms of European decisions have had to meet some American cars. Caliber, which, incidentally, do in Illinois, rightfully carries a plate Made in USA.
Here is a BREAKDOWN
I do not deny what the creators of the machine, so in the imagination! To separate (60:40) rear sofa, we have long been accustomed. But back front right seat that is, sinking, turns into a table for machines of this class do not remember.
Armrest with compartment for a mobile phone moves along convenient for drivers of different heights and planting style. trunk pallet is easy to remove and wash. One of the lampshades removable flashlight. The battery is, of course, is not needed, the lamp is recharged in the ceiling.
Kilowatts, Newton, DEGREES

Power gasoline engines Dodge completely solid: 1.8-liter unit 140 outputs hp, 2-liter 150 HP Impressive torque obtained last but not least thanks to VVT variable valve timing device.
Alas, in a car with a 1.8-liter engine and five-speed was unable to ride a manual transmission. Probably, for the presentation of this version was considered too fresh. But thoroughly ride the 2-liter with a continuously variable transmission. no lag when switching from one speed to another with a quiet ride better CVT automatic. Well, if I still dare to overtake the van? Pedal to the floor, the tachometer has 6000 rev / min, as you can guess by the insistent tone of the motor, and not much is happening. Now we have to Dodge finally ahead of the truck. I would not say that very quickly.
But here six fixed gear! They can be changed, both in automatic with manual shift slightly pulling the lever. Let's try? Acceleration is indeed much more fun. But the feeling of a certain detachment from the car remains.
I dare to assume: despite the difference (by the way, quite small) in the indicators, a 1.8-liter car with mechanics should behave approximately as a 2-liter with a variator. Choosing a car mainly for long-distance trips by narrow, especially mountain roads, would soon stop on mechanics. For frequent drive in the city, undoubtedly, preferred variator.
Loved a 140-strong diesel engine with a six-speed gearbox. Motor, which is practically not heard in the cabin, perfectly pulls from 1500 rpm, allows you to lazy when switching gear. But your guess is true: you will not supply diesel Dodi to Russia.

The behavior of the caliber on the road is akin to his several contradictory finish. Suspension, rather, European: It holds a high car well, not allowing me to roll even on steep turns. Chain brakes, with a convenient control algorithm. But with the wheel of a common language, I never found it. The machine reacts very reluctantly to minimal launches. To big slow. Therefore, passing cool turns at high speed, it is difficult to immediately find the right corner of the steering wheel. In general, a convenient style of driving dodge: I move to the measure of energetic, but calm, without sharp longitudinal and transverse accelerations.
Welcome or
In Russia for 18,200 euros (about 22 thousand dollars), the buyer will receive Dodge Calibr with a 1.8-liter engine, a manual box, front and side airbags, air conditioning and other specialty for cars of the same class and prices. The same with a 2-liter engine and the variator will cost 19 100 euros (approximately $ 23,000). The most expensive version with the skin, the pressure sensor in the tires and the audio system with nine columns, two of which are folded, pulls at 23,500 euros ($ 28,000). Other power units for Russia is not provided.
In the caliber assets: powerful motors for their volume, large ground clearance, a kind of memorable style, close to fans of crossovers and American design, and original, pleasant little things in the equipment. Is it enough to conquer the hearts of Russians? I have a skepticism about the caliber dubbed, but not to say that it disappeared at all.

Connect American and European traditions is not even just today. Dodge-caliber Attempt is generally successful, but in detail heavenly.

Once in Europe
The company Dodge 30 years ago has already tried to bring the passenger model to the European market. In the early 1970s, the Spanish branch of the concern, which produced mainly trucks and buses, long produced and Dodge-3700 analogue of the American Dart model (in the photo). According to the overall concepts of that time, folk, inexpensive car: 5 m long, 6-cylinder motor, 3.7-liter. And in Europe, he never passed.
And Dodzhi did in the USSR. During the war, part of the Land-Lizovsky car came into disassembled, in boxes. Sometimes those who collected cars were fought on them.